On April 17, 2025, the Government of Liberia held its inaugural Government and Development Partners Retreat (G-DPR) alongside various development partners. The event was officially opened by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., with attendance from high-ranking officials such as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, and other notable figures including the UN Resident Coordinator and the President of the University of Liberia.
Participants included ministers, deputy ministers, heads of institutions, international partners, UN agency leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, private sector representatives, banking sector officials, civil society organizations, and academic leaders. The primary focus was on implementing the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), Liberia’s National Development Plan. Discussions centered on innovative strategies to finance national development amid global financial challenges.
The retreat aimed to enhance strategic partnerships between Liberia’s government and development partners to implement the AAID effectively. It also explored alternative financing mechanisms to drive development forward. Acknowledging past conflicts and health crises like Ebola and COVID-19 as well as current economic challenges such as inflation and climate change impacts, participants recognized Liberia’s resilience but stressed that further development cooperation is needed.
The six-session retreat covered Liberia’s development landscape, financing strategies, private sector engagement, among other topics. Consensus emerged on focusing more on human capital development, local content with value addition, gender equality, technological innovation in revenue collection, quality expenditure improvement, program complementarity, and collaboration.
Strategic recommendations from the retreat include addressing root causes of development challenges beyond immediate issues; enhancing strategic partnerships for implementation; incorporating digital economy interventions; aligning AAID with state budgets through program-based budgeting; improving domestic resource mobilization with innovative financing methods like green bonds; fostering a business-friendly environment; creating market measures for increased production and export diversification; establishing interactive forums with key societal sectors; investing in human capital through education at all levels; consolidating regulatory frameworks against corruption; promoting AAID policies related to children’s protection and gender equality; leveraging digitization for anti-corruption efforts; strengthening coordination systems to mitigate adverse impacts globally and locally.
This foundational retreat sets a course for Liberia’s developmental aspirations by emphasizing unity, innovation, and accountability. An annual meeting will be held to track progress based on established guidelines. A comprehensive report detailing thematic recommendations will be released soon.